Infinit Nutrition Canada - Premium Sport-Specific Nutrition

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Virginia McLachlan Making Canada Proud!!!

Virginia, moments before winning Canada's
first medal of the 2012 Games

Infinit: Virginia, we know that you have been running since you were very young. What age did you start running, and what was it about running that you were attracted to?

Virginia: I started running at the age 7. I started running for therapy and a way to help stretch out my muscles. After I started I fell in love with the competitive aspect and the fact that it is both physical and mental.

Infinit: Did you compete or participate in other sports when you were young? Are there any other sports that you participate in today?

Virginia: I don’t remember a time I was not in sports. I played soccer, baseball, I did tap, ballet, jazz, Irish step dancing then I fell in love with running and I have never turned back. I do not participate in any other sports but I am a huge sports fan. I am a huge Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers fan.

Infinit: We know that in 2012 you went to London for the Paralympic Games and won 2 bronze medals placing 3rd on the world in the T35 100 m and 200 m. When did you know or at least knew there was a possibility of representing Canada on the world stage?

Virginia: The dream was always there. I found out July 1st 2012 that I was on the team. But I knew there was going to be a possibility when I won two silver medals at the 2011 Para Panam games in Mexico.

Infinit: Would imagine that you have had some great support over the years to rise to the levels you have, who are some of the people that were most influential in your career to date?

Virginia: First and for most my mother. With out here I would not be where I am today. She has been my biggest supporter and my number one fan through everything. I also look up to a lot of the other athletes that I have had the honour of training with or sharing the track with. Jamie Adjety-Nelson has been one of my role models. Watching him compete and win at Common Wealth games was so cool! Being able to talk to him about sport and get advice from him has really helped a lot in my career. The Lancer track family has also been a big part with in the past two years of my career. Everyone is so supportive of each other. My family has also been a big support system as well.

Infinit: What are some of the most memorable moments of the games in London?

Virginia: There are so many! The one that sticks out the most was when I was running my 1st race of the games, the 200 m with about 80 m to go I realized I was in position to medal. This is the only part of the race I remember and I remember thinking to myself don’t get too excited yet you still have to finish the race and when I crossed the line and saw all my teammates sitting in the stands I still can’t even describe the audience. Calling my mom after my 1st medal was one of the best feelings in the world.

Infinit: Can you explain how the classifications work, for instance what are the parameters associated with the T35 classification in which you compete.

Virginia: Different disabilities have different classifications. Then from those classifications the different levels of abilities compete together. Being a T35 the 3 refers to Cerebral Palsy. Both of my legs and my left arm are affected. I run with girls who are similarly affected.

Infinit: Has competing in Paralympics affected the rest of your life, how so?

Virginia: It helped make me stronger as a person as well as a stronger athlete. I am a lot busier now with speaking at schools and sports events. It has also given me opportunities like going on tour with the Olympians and Paralympians from 2012

Infinit: What are your immediate goals in 2014 and your goals through to Rio in 2016?

Virginia: This year I am hopefully heading to Germany and Italy for the IPC grand Prix to compete with others in my classification. My goals are to also make the Canadian team for Para Panams that are in Toronto and the team for Worlds both in 2015. I really hope to make the team for Rio. I am hoping to be on the top of the podium in 2016.

Silver medal in Lyon, France 2013

Infinit: What Infinit products have you been using, how have they helped your training?

Virginia: I have been using my custom blend in lemon-lime, repair in fruit punch and raw protein. I love them all, it has all helped in my training a lot! I find my energy levels during the workout much higher, and I recover much faster from the tough work out.

We are thrilled to be supporting such a great athlete - best of luck in 2014 as you take a step towards Rio in 2016.